In a world that often feels uncertain, there is one truth that anchors me: The power of curiosity to light the way forward. And at the U, that beacon shines bright.

We stand on the shoulders of giants, with a 150-year legacy of pushing boundaries and asking the big questions. But our story isn’t finished. As the world continues to call on the brilliant minds gathered here to solve pressing real-world challenges, our strength comes from working together as collaborators and connectors. Whether identifying the gene associated with breast cancer, developing software that saves wildland firefighters’ lives, or the infusion of art to improve mental health, we’re achieving things once considered impossible.

Which is why I enter this new year with a sense of renewed hope. While there will undoubtedly be obstacles ahead in 2025, this community has a proven track record for transforming challenges into opportunities. So, as we begin this new year, let’s continue to work together — the future won’t discover itself.

— Erin Rothwell, PhD, Vice President for Research, University of Utah